‘Paranormal Activity 2′ Trailer as Mysterious as the First

The first trailer for Paranormal Activity 2 has been released and it emulates all the suspense of the first movie by showing next to nothing and raising questions.

The minimalist focus of the trailer is exactly what works for it. But when you extend this quiet suspense to 90 minutes (especially after it’s been done once already), the gag can wear off quite fast. It will be interesting to see how the minds behind the sequel keep audiences on their toes – since the gimmick/surprise of the original shouldn’t work again. If it becomes just about the money, we may have a new Saw franchise on our hands.

Paranormal Activity was the micro-budget sensation that turned a $15,000 project into a $193 million (worldwide) hit. Word of mouth spread rapidly through the Internet, leading to unprecedented buzz. A sequel was quickly greenlit and Tod Williams signed on to direct.

The new trailer presents a tone similar to the original film, but adds some new elements – multiple security cameras, a baby and a dog. I have to admit, I am genuinely worried about the safety of this dog. For some reason, the baby doesn’t create as much nervousness for me in this brief trailer as the dog does.

Then again, I have a dog and no babies.

Only a month ago we were wondering if the possessed Katie would return in the enigmatic sequel. The trailer suggests this might be correct. All we see is the silhouette of a woman, but her body resembles that of actress Katie Featherston.

No cast has been revealed in an attempt to maintain the veil of realism that made the original an international sensation. Obviously, it is all fabricated for entertainment, but the intentions are admirable.

UPDATE:

Well, well – the little viral nuggets are starting already… Screen Rant reader Jose noticed that at the end of the trailer there’s a reflection of the baby in the mirror, even though he’s not in the crib:

And then our fearless leader Vic noticed a message in the carpet, which I pointed out was a reflection in the mirror. Here’s the detail:

It’s a hand-scrawled message that states: “what is happening to hunter?” One would assume that Hunter is the name of the child.

What do you think of the teaser trailer for Paranormal Activity 2? Do you even need a trailer to get you in a movie seat? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.